Classic Homemade Bagels Recipe
Bagels, with their perfectly chewy texture and golden brown crust, are a beloved breakfast staple. This simple recipe will show you how to make fresh, soft bagels right in your own kitchen, with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether enjoyed plain, with a spread of cream cheese, or topped with smoked salmon, these homemade bagels are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread Flour | 4 cups |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Instant Yeast | 2 tsps |
| Warm Water | 1ยผ cups |
| Water for Boiling | As needed |
| Baking Soda | 1 tbsp |
Preparation Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. The yeast provides the necessary rise, while the sugar acts as food for the yeast, ensuring your bagels rise beautifully.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. The warm water should be comfortably warm to the touch but not hot, as very hot water can kill the yeast. Mix until a dough begins to form.
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Knead the Dough: Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you knead. The key here is to develop the gluten, which will give your bagels their perfect chewy texture.
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Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rise is crucial to achieving a soft and airy interior.
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Shape the Bagels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then use your thumb to create a hole in the center. Stretch the hole slightly to form the signature bagel shape. Let the shaped bagels rest for about 10 minutes while you prepare the water bath.
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Prepare the Boiling Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda. This step is what gives bagels their characteristic chewy crust. The alkaline nature of the baking soda helps develop that crisp, golden exterior.
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Boil the Bagels: Carefully drop each bagel into the boiling water. Boil for 1 minute on each side. This step is key to getting the chewy texture that bagels are known for. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pot.
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Bake the Bagels: Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). After boiling, transfer the bagels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. The high heat of the oven helps develop that lovely crispy crust while keeping the inside soft.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once the bagels are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Allergen Information:
- Gluten: This recipe uses bread flour, which contains gluten. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid this recipe.
- Soy: The vegetable oil used may contain soy, so be cautious if you have a soy allergy.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain any animal products (other than optional toppings).
- Vegan: The recipe is vegan, provided no animal-derived toppings are added.
- Nut-Free: This recipe does not contain nuts or nut products, but make sure to check your other ingredients for cross-contamination.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free as it uses vegetable oil rather than butter.
Tips and Advice:
- Boiling the Bagels: Donโt skip the boiling step. It may seem unusual, but itโs essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
- Customize Your Bagels: Feel free to customize your bagels by adding toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Proper Rest Time: Allow the dough to rise fully, as this contributes to a light and airy bagel. Rushing this step could result in denser bagels.
Conclusion:
Making homemade bagels is an incredibly rewarding experience. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy fresh, chewy bagels in your own kitchen in just a few hours. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these homemade bagels will rival those from your favorite bakery! Try them with your favorite spreads, toppings, or even toasted with butter and jam. Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results!
